What's next?

What additional research could I do into this topic?

Even though I never heard back from a professional about an interview for this paper, I am still interested in what perspective a practicioner in the field might have on this topic. If I get the oppurtunity, I can ask Dr. TJ or my family's chiropractor, Dr. Tina, for their opinion. I could also research other questions in the same field. One aspect I became particularly interested in when doing research on the spine was how it not only plays a role in the musculoskeletal system, but also in the nervous system. This would be more related to neuroscience, but I might someday want to research the impact of a traumatic spinal injury or disease on nerve receptors in the brain. Since I hope to go into physical therapy, this aspect of rehabilitation is just as important as the mechanical aspect.

 

What types of (student) scientific research could result from this research?

Up until now, I haven't done a whole lot with anatomy in school, and this is the case for most sophomores. However, I'm sure there are many students like me who are interested in a medical-related field and will someday require knowledge of basic anatomical structure. My preliminary research would be a great jumping-off point for more sophisticated projects that involve observation or even replication of the mechanical structure of the human body. For instance, a technology-based project could involve creating a simulator to mimic the effects of spinal misalignment. That being said, this type of research does not lend itself easily to student projects, as humans are the target of study.

 

What related topics could you explore?

I am particularly interested in running mechanics as an athlete, and am even planning to undergo heavy speed training this summer. I would love to explore how the musculoskeletal system cooperates during physical activity, and the impact of long-term running on joints and tendons. Overuse injuries are common in the sports I play, and I myself have had some experience with mild tendonitis in my achilles, so this topic would be relevant to me. While this paper focused mostly on the spine, I would like to do some research on major muscle groups.

 

What additional experiences could you have that would give you more insight into this topic?

I definetely plan to participate in a mentorship should I pursue a topic related to this after junior year. My sister's physical therapist, April, who helped her after she received a severe concussion playing soccer, has offered to assist me and answer any questions I might have. This would be a great experience for me, as I am a kinesthetic learner and love practical application. It wouldn't seem like such a chore or an assignment required for school if I amable to use a topic I am interested in such as this one.

 

What advice do you have for your junior/senior self associated with this topic?

The only advice I would have for myself after writing this iSearch paper is to be proactive every step of the way. One thing that made the paper so much easier to write were the detailed blog posts I created in response to each subquestion I wanted to address in my paper. Also, if I were to choose a capstone project for senior year, I will remember to cast a wide net when searching for professionals to mentor me. While I know Dr. TJ fairly well, he is also constantly busy with running his own business, and part of me was aware that he might not be able to get back to my email. Finally, I would want to tell myself that while of course I will need to be aware of school deadlines for the senior project, the immersive research experience I will gain is what's really important, and I think I might actually enjoy the process.